Brooklands Poynton 3 Ben Rhydding Ladies 1

Ben Rhydding Ladies made the trip over the Pennines for the first match of the 2014/15 season in the Investec Conference North League.

With the hosts being league champions last season but failing to achieve promotion to the premier league via the playoffs, Ben Rhydding knew they were in for a tough battle right from the off.

Both sides had recruited during the summer months with Ben Rhydding welcoming Michelle Morris from Reading and the returning Jo Ellis from Buckingham.

After early pressure from the home side, Rhydding settled into the game and created some good chances on the counter attack. Brooklands Poynton converted their first Penalty corner with a straight strike from the top of the circle.

Ben Rhydding responded well with a lovely move up the pitch to be rewarded with a penalty corner of their own. A Rebecca Dallas drag flick was well saved by the Booklands keeper.

Further chances for Ben Rhydding came and went, with great work from Jess Purvis to find Jo Ellis in the circle.

A backhand shot at goal was narrowly deflected wide by Jen Wilson on the far post. It remained 1-0 at the break.

The match was finely balanced with both sides working hard to gain the initiative in the match.

Ben Rhydding deservedly equalised after 44 minutes with a flowing move which started from deep in defence.

Some lovely link up play between Jo Taylor, Jo Ellis and Jess Purvis down the right hand side, which resulted in a debut goal for Michelle Morris who was at the far post to slot the ball home.

The game started to creep away from Rhydding with green and yellow cards been given and they were down to eight players for the remaining few minutes of the match. Brooklands pilled on the pressure and Rhydding, with some good work rate from player of the match Sarah Bell and great tackling from Captain Rachelle Le Bourdon, worked tirelessly in defence to try and take something from the game. Two well taken penalty corners from the hosts sealed Ben Rhyddings fate.

Next up for Ben Rhydding is a home match against Wakefield on Saturday, 1.30pm push back.